“Viv lamour dan so grander” a second song committed to fight against discrimination on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia proudly carried by the Collectif Urgence Toxida, AILES, Parapli Rouz, PILS, Collectif Arc-En-Ciel and Young Queer Alliance. IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) takes place annually on May 17.
This year, 6 organisations came together to change the perception on the LGBTQIA+ community through art. In the continuity of the campaign “Mwa Zero Diskriminasion” which started in March with the slam-rap “Nou tou inik”, the partner associations propose a second song “Viv lamour dan so grander” to fight against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Community meetings with LGBT+ people were organized online by the Collectif Arc-En-Ciel and Young Queer Alliance. During these meetings, participants were able to express their feelings about the judgments they perceive regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity. Their realities and messages were heard by artists LionKlash and Steeve Laridain who created a song that sends a strong message of love and respect. For the occasion, a video clip full of emotions and hope, directed by Sandrine Julien was unveiled on May 17 across social media.
In continuity to the project, a call for artistic expression was launched by the partner associations. An evening “Viv lamour dan so grander parski nou tou inik” took place online to support and promote the artists. Poets, slammers, singers, comedians, painters, designers, and dancers were called upon to share their art to express a message in support for the key populations for which the organisations work, namely people from the LGBT+ community, people living with HIV, people who use drugs and/or those who are sex workers.
“6 organisations uniting to change perceptions and mentalities, is a great and revolutionary campaign. This is part of the effort to educate and sensitize people in order to break the stigma and discrimination against key populations in Mauritius. This is a first step in the right direction because changing mentalities is paramount in this fight” says Krishnee Appadoo, President of the Board of Directors of the Collectif Urgence Toxida.
This project was made possible with the support of ARASA (Aids and Rights Alliance for South Africa), an organization that works to promote health and dignity, protect rights and integrity, and reduce inequality in 18 African countries. The IDAHOT campaign demonstrates social synergy through art to change mindsets and foster a more inclusive society.